CST 363 - Week 4

 It has been four weeks, or halfway through the CST 363 - Introduction to Data System. There are many I have learned, and many more to come.

Previously, I was introduced to database through Java course, but I did not expect to see a new language such as MySQL. Even though I had used similar language such as Panda (for data science) before, this discovery reminding me that there are many languages out there, beside programming languages I usually use.

Next, after experiencing first time with MySQL, I learned that this is not mean for everybody. Those who work in the office, Excel is definitely an easier choice. On the other hand, those who work in programming may choose programming languages over MySQL due to the customization. They may add or modify functions for data table as they seem fit, rather than following the statements and requirements of MySQL.

With that said, it doesn't mean MySQL is left behind. I totally can see how this is used for data specialists who have to work with their team to create a massive application with numerous data. And without a data specialist who can handle database of the project or the language such as MySQL itself, the application's performance is heavily reduced. However, I am not into data specialist, so I don't plan to dive deep into database either.

Another lesson I learned is from the diagram assignment. I have started using ER diagrams not long ago during my Java course. Applying into my personal project, I saw a significant boost in efficiency. After the diagram assignment, it let me know that there are many perspectives such as performance, diagram's presentation, as well as how to break down brief into information into diagram.

Last but not least is the newest material I learned this week: using bitmap and indexes. In my personal project, I used a similar algorithm before to check for information quickly, rather than access through the list of Objects and check one by one. In addition, the concept of using Primary Key to check for matching row is similar with how I usually check for matching Objects.

Since I do not deep dive into database, I don't have the curiosity to come up with any question to help me explore this field. But I'm looking forward to the rest of the course. Definitely there are more I can learn and maybe something for me to think of.